MO HB2580

Amends Section 475.050 RSMo to require courts to appoint guardians following a strict priority order, rather than simply "considering" priority persons as under current law

Courts must find a priority person deficient in their ability to serve before selecting someone else as guardian or conservator

Priority order for appointment: (1) person nominated by the incapacitated individual if able to communicate, (2) person named in durable power of attorney or written instrument from within 5 years, (3) spouse, parents, adult children, siblings, and close relatives, (4) persons nominated in a probated will

When substandard living conditions are claimed as grounds for deficiency, the Department of Health and Senior Services must investigate and report before the court can rule

To disqualify a priority person based on living conditions, courts must specifically find the conditions are dangerous or unsanitary and materially affect the life, health, or safety of the incapacitated person